Shri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Aradhane 2023

The Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana was a beautiful three-day event held at SKV in Houston, Texas. It was a serene and lovely celebration at the temple, brightening up the mornings and evenings from Thursday to Saturday (August 31 to September 2). The grand Pooja took place on September 2nd, a memorable Saturday, at the SKV Hall. It was truly extraordinary, with many devotees from different places coming together in reverence.

You can access the moments captured during Aradhana by clicking here.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks for the devotees who joined us in celebrating Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana. These celebrations were made special by the dedication and selflessness of our volunteers.

At the Aradhana event, we had the privilege of receiving Shri Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji’s spiritual wisdom and guidance on nurturing devotion in our daily lives through a pre-recorded tape. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Shri Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji for his exceptional spiritual leadership. His tireless efforts in establishing Shri Puttige Matha branches globally have not only united devotees but also preserved our culture and dharma.

Chief Priest Sri Raghu Ramanna guided us spiritually during the Aaradhana ceremony, bringing us peace and devotion. His clear and precise recitation of stotras and vedas left a lasting impression on everyone’s heart. We deeply appreciate his spiritual leadership and commitment to our community.

Exceptionally talented artists displayed their deep devotion by gracefully dancing to the enchanting and divine melodies, captivating the hearts of the devotees. The standout moment of the event was when trained singers, fueled by their profound love for the divine, sang devotional songs. The musical enchantment of the event left a lasting impression, and these beautiful devotional songs will forever resonate in the hearts of the devotees.

Estimating the quantity of food to prepare becomes quite a fascinating challenge when there’s no way to determine the exact number of invitees, and the invitation is open to all. Achieving a near-precise estimate is crucial, ensuring we neither run short nor have excessive leftovers. This intriguing task is accomplished through the ‘tarakari muhoorta’ ritual, where we invoke the divine before embarking on the cooking for the grand event. It involves estimating the expected turnout for the next day using the cut banana method! It’s truly a divine miracle that the meal prepared for over a thousand devotees turned out perfectly, with no shortages or wastage.

Our esteemed Chief Chef Sri Subanna and his team prepare delicious prasada and meals that nourished our bodies and souls. His culinary skills and dedication to providing a feast for all will always be cherished. Cooking prasada is not just about food; it’s a divine offering, and Sri Subanna’s culinary magic made our celebrations truly special. Despite the scorching heat in Houston, volunteers adhered to tradition by serving lunch on the Aradhana day in the customary manner, by serving on the bale ele.

During the aradhana event, an enchanting discourse on the miraculous experiences known as “pavadas” was shared, recounting the firsthand experiences of Raghavendra devotees. One of these miracles unfolded on the Uttara Aradhana day, when a continuous cloud cover provided welcome relief from the scorching sun. As if in divine blessing, a few drops of rain even graced us from above. On the Aradhana day, the maximum temperature reached approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit, in stark contrast to the rest of the days, where the average temperature had soared to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This remarkable shift exemplifies the power of our united community and our collective prayers.

The volunteers worked tirelessly day and night, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Their dedication to our community and cause shone through in every task, from decorating the venue to handling all arrangements in perfection. They worked as a close-knit family, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence. Their dedication goes beyond words and illuminated our customs, traditions, and community.

Our devoted community, with their unwavering seva throughout the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana celebrations, deserves special recognition. Their tireless dedication forms the foundation of our traditions and strengthens our spiritual family’s bonds. Their unwavering spirit of seva embodies devotion and unity, making our celebrations meaningful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the devotees who were part of the event; your contributions continue to inspire us.

Looking back at the incredible Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aaradhana celebrations, it’s clear that the combined efforts of everyone involved, from Chief Priest Sri Raghuram Bhat to the decoration team and Cook Sri Subanna, along with the dedication of our volunteers and devotees, created something truly extraordinary.

we want to express our deepest appreciation once again for your dedication, enthusiasm, and love that you poured into this event. You not only brought our community together but also strengthened our faith and bonds. We have created memories that will continue to inspire us in the years to come.

With hearts full of gratitude, let us carry forward the blessings of Sri Hari Vayu Gurugalu from this special occasion, united in faith and love.

Shri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Aradhane 2023

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Suraj Koneri